Bottle gauging apparatus



Oct. 29, 1968 R. T. VINCENT BOTTLE GAUGING APPARATUS 3 Sheets-Sheet 1Filed Feb. 1 5, 1966 R 7. J 0 E /1 w m 111/ 1/ I /////V/? II I ll?! 1AW. F I 1 W, .0 I W U 3 fie/MR0 Tl/wcsrvr B 4 @4411,

TORNEVS Oct. 29, 1968 R. T. VINCENT BOTTLE GAUGING APPARATUS kt Q 1- ENOct. 29, 1968 v c 3,407,931

BOTTLE GAUGING APPARATUS Filed Feb. 15, 196E 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 1mINVENTOR. 104 ficHA/wZ'MA/cflvT BY 1-?- .1117 QM ATTO NEVS United StatesPatent 3,407,931 Y BOTTLE GAUGENG APPARATUS Richard T. Vincent, 29300Pacific,

Hayward, Calif. 94544 Filed Feb. 15, 1966, Ser. No. 527,468

, .7 Claims. (Cl. 209-75) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE An automaticgauging apparatus is described for ganging the dimensions of bottles toclassify them as having either acceptable or unacceptable dimensions.The apparatus includes a turret having adjacent its periphery, aplurality of circumferentially spaced gauging elements. Beneath eachgauging element is a lifting platform for lifting a bottle into theelement to determine whether it has acceptable dimensions. Each gaugingelement includes a bottom head through which a bottle must pass andwhich determines whether the body is out-'of-round or greater than aprescribed dimension. An elongated finger within each classifier elementchecks the interior dimension of the neck of the bottle, and theperipheral wall of a recess which is coaxial with the finger checks theexterior diameter of the neck. The base wall of the recess determinesthe correctness of the height of the bottle. All of the gauging surfacesof the classifier element are provided as a unit and if any one of themindicates a defective dimension, the classifier unit is displacedvertically with respect to a supporting frame member. Any suchdisplacement is sensed by a defect sensing means which through a memorysystem activates an ejector means for separating the defective bottlesfrom the acceptable bottles.

This invention relates to automatic gauging and sorting apparatus ingeneral, and is more particularly directed to apparatus forautomatically gauging bottles to classify them as being acceptable ordefective and separating the thus classified defective bottles from theacceptable bottles.

In the bottling of wine and other beverages, it is of importance thatthe bottles be within certain predetermined dimensional limits so as tofunction properly with the bottling process equipment. For example, theneck of the bottle may be choked, i.e., the inside diameter may be lessthan a predetermined minimum limit for which a filler .tube may beunobstructively inserted into the neck to facilitate filling of thebottle. The outer diameter of the neck may be greater than apredetermined maximum limit with which capping or corking apparatus willoperate successfully. Likewise, the height of a bottle may exceed thatfor which the capping or corking apparatus will properly operate. In theevent the exterior dimensions of the body of a bottle exceedpredetermined limits, it may not be possible to properly package suchbottles in crates. Excessive bottle height is also detrimental topackaging. Moreover, some bottles are leaners, i.e., upper portions ofthe bottle significantly depart from a coaxial relationship with lowerportions of the bottle. Leaners are not suited to use with the fillingapparatus, capping apparatus, or packaging apparatus.

Thus, it is desirable to determine Whether or not the bottles are withinall of the foregoing predetermined dimensional limits before the bottlesare used with bottling process equipment. This can be accomplished bygauging the bottles for such dimensional limits and classifying them aseither acceptable or defective, depending upon whether they are Withinor without the limits. The bottles classified as defective may then beseparated from the acceptable bottles and discarded. Only acceptablebottles remain for use with the bottling equipment. It is of coursedesirablethat the steps of gauging, classification, and separation beaccomplished automatically at high speed. Although various bottlegauging devices and systems of gaugers, classifiers, and separators haveexisted heretofore, they have been variously disadvantageous and limitedin their operation. Some existing gaugers are capable of gauging bottlesfor only some, but not all of the previously discussed dimensionallimits. To gauge all of the limits, it has usually been necessary toemploy a number of gaugers, each for a different dimensional limit,operating in sequence. Aside from the complexity of the associatedclassification and sorting mechanisms attending the sequential use ofseparate gaugers, the throughput of the system is limited by the numberof separate gauging operations required. I

It is therefore an o'bjectof the present invention to provide animproved gauger which as a single unit is capable of gauging a bottlefor predetermined dimensional limits of inside and outside neckdiameters, height, leanage, and outside body diameter in a single passat the bottle.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a gauger of theclass described which is so arranged that in response to a bottle havinga dimension outside of any one of the predetermined limits to be gauged,a classifier element of the gauger is actuated from an acceptable bottleindicating position to a defective bottle indicating position.

It is still another object of the invention to provide a gauger of theclass described having a knockout mechanism for insuring the release ofbottles from the gauger subsequent to gauging thereof.

Yet another object of the invention is the provision of gaugers of theclass described in a bottle classifying and sorting system arranged toeject a bottle from a conveyor line in response to the classifierelement of the gauger in which the bottle was gauged being actuated todefective bottle indicating position.

A more specific object of the invention is to provide a bottleclassifying and sorting system having gaugers in the form of headsmounted on a turret rotating in synchronism with bottle lifters forprogressively lifting bottles into the correspondingly positioned headsto classify same as defective or acceptable in route to a take offconveyor, and to effect actuation of an ejector when the conveyor movesa bottle classified as defective adjacent the ejector.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a system of theclass described so arranged that defective bottles in engaging the gaugeheads move classifier elements thereof to defect indicating positionswherein they are operable to trigger a defect sensor arranged to actuatea memory in turn effective to actuate the ejector at times thecorresponding defective bottles are adjacent same.

It is a furtherobject of the invention to provide a system of the classdescribed wherein different sets of gauge heads may be readilyinterchangeably employed to classify different sizes and shapes ofbottles.

A still further object of the invention is the provision of a system ofthe class described having a mechanical memory of unique design.

The invention possesses other objects and features of advantage, some ofwhich, with the foregoing, will be set forth in the followingdescription of the preferred form of the invention which is illustratedin the drawings accompanying and forming part of the specification. Itis to be understood, however, that variations in the showing made by thesaid drawings and description may be adopted within the scope of theinvention as set forth in the claims.

FIGURE 1 is a side elevational view of a bottle classi- 3. fying andsorting system in accordance with the invention.

FIGURE 2 is a side elevational view with portions broken away of one ofthe novel gaugers employed in the system.

FIGURE 3 is a sectional view on an enlarged scale taken at a diametricplane through one of the gaugers.

FIGURE 4 is a view similar to FIGURE 3, but with a bottle partiallyreceived in the gauger and priming a knock-out element thereof forsubsequent bottle releasing "actuation.

FIGURE 5 is a view similar to FIGURES 3 and 4, but with a defectivebottle received in the gauger and actuating a classifier element thereofto defect indicating position.

FIGURE 6 is a sectional view taken at line 66 of FIGURE 3.

FIGURE 7 is a fragmentary perspective view with portions broken-away ofa modified form of gauger for gauging flask bottles.

FIGURE 8 is a fragmentary elevational view on an enlarged scale of adefect sensor arrangement employed in the system of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 9 is a plan view on an enlarged scale of a preferred mechanicalmemory employed in the system of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 10 is a FIGURE 9.

Referring to FIGURE 1 in detail, there is shown a bottle classifying andsorting system 11 which features a plurality of novel bottle gaugers 12each arranged to gauge bottles 13 for any of predetermined dimensionallimits of inside neck diameter or choke, outside neck diameter, outsidebody diameter, height, and leanage. If any of the bottles 13 havedimensions that are not within all of the predetermined limits, suchbottles are unacceptable or defective. Conversely, those bottles 13having dimensions within all of the predetermined limits are acceptable.A defective bottle introduced to one of the gaugers 12 causes aclassifier element 14 thereof to be actuated to a defect indicatingposition (see FIGURE 5). An acceptable bottle does not actuate theclassifier element 14 such that it remains in a normal acceptableproduct indicating position. In response to the introduction of eitheran acceptable or a defective bottle to one of the gaugers 12, aknock-out element 16 thereof is primed for subsequent actuated releaseof the bottles from the gauger (see FIGURE 4). In this manner, releaseof the bottles is assured.

Considering now the overall aspects of the system 11, it will be notedthat the gaugers 12 are provided in the form of circumferentially spacedheads of a turret 17. In this regard a turret plate 18 is secured, as bymeans of a collar 19, to a vertical shaft 21. The upper end of the shaftis journalled in a bearing 22 carried by superstructure 23 mounted inelevated position relative to a horizontal support surface 24. The lowerend of the shaft is journalled in a bearing 26 which is, for example,mounted on the support surface. The gaugers 12 are carried atcircumferentially spaced positions of the plate 18 and are thus rotatedwith the shaft.

To introduce the bottles 13 to the gaugers 12 during their rotationthere are provided a plurality of circumferentially spaced lifters 27subjacent the gaugers in corresponding vertical alignment therewith. Thelifters are arranged to be progressively raised towards thecorresponding gaugers and to be retracted therefrom during theirrotation. More particularly, the lifters are preferably provided asvertical rods 28 having bottle support platforms 29 at their upper ends.The rods slidably extend through guide bushings 31 carried atcircumferentially spaced positions of a guide dome 32 coaxially fixedlysecured to the shaft 21 subjecent the gaugers. The bushings are ofcourse correspondingly aligned with the gaugers. The lower ends of therods 28 carry follower rollers 33 sectional view taken at line 1010 ofwhich ride on the surface of a substantially cylindrical cam 34 mountedon the horizontal support surface 24. The cam is formed with a depressedhorizontal surface 36 extending substantially between input and takeofflocations 37 and 38 subsequently described, a gradually rising surface39 extending substantially between the input location and an elevatedhorizontal surface 41, and a rapidly declining surface 42 extendingsubstantially 90 between the surface 41 and the take-off location 38.Thus, as the shaft 21 rotates, the guide dome 32 moves the lifters in acircular path wherein the rollers 33 follow the previously notedsurfaces of the cam 34 and correspondingly govern the vertical positionsof the lifters. When a roller engages the surface 36 the platform of theassociated lifter is at a predetermined lowermost elevation. Theplatform is at such elevation at both the input and takeoff locations 37and 38. As the roller encounters surface 39 in being moved arcuatelyaway from the input location, the lifter is progressively raised towardthe corresponding gauger and the platform of the lifter assumes apredetermined uppermost elevation when the roller is positioned on thesurface 41. As will be subsequently described in detail, a bottlesupported on the platform at such elevation is fully introduced to thecorresponding gauger to a position wherein the classifier element 14 iseither not actuated, or actuated to defect indicating position,depending upon whether the bottle is acceptable or defective.Thereafter, as the roller moves away from surface 41 over surface 42,the lifter is rapidly retracted to convey the bottle away from thegauger and, upon reaching the take-off location 38, support the bottleat the predetermined lowermost elevation. Rotation of the assembly ofgaugers and lifters is preferably facilitated by a ring gear 43depending from the rim of the dome 32 and meshing with a spur gear 44secured to the shaft of a drive motor 46.

In order that the bottles 13 may be delivered to the lifters 27 at highspeed for introduction to the gaugers 12, there is provided alongitudinal input conveyor 47 mounted by means of support structure 48at an elevation corresponding to the predetermined lowermost elevationof the lifters 27. The conveyor 47 terminates adjacent the inputlocation 37 and a star wheel 49 provided thereat is operable tosynchronously move bottles from the conveyor to lifters correspondinglypositioned at the input location with their platforms 29 at theelevation of the conveyor. In this manner, bottles are sequentiallydelivered to the lifters as they rotate through the input location.Similarly, a longitudinal take-off conveyor 51 is provided to extendaway from the take-off location 38 at the predetermined lowermostelevation of the lifters. A star wheel 52 provided adjacent the take-offlocation operates to synchronously move bottles off of the platforms oflifters sequentially passing through the take-off location, and onto thetake-off conveyor. An ejector 53 is mounted laterally adjacent thetake-off conveyor 51 at a position slightly downstream from the take-offlocation 38. The ejector may, for example, comprise a solenoid actuatedram 54, which in response to energization of the solenoid is momentarilytranslated transversely of the take-off conveyor. Thus, the ramdisplaces an adjacent bottle carried by the take-off conveyor off of theside thereof.

In the basic operation of the system of FIGURE 1, the bottles 13 carriedon the input conveyor 47 are sequentially delivered by star wheel 49 tothe lifters 27 as they pass through the input location 37. The liftersprogressively raise the bottles towards the correspondingly alignedgaugers 12 and as the lifters sequentially reach their uppermostelevation upon encountering surface 41 of cam 34, the bottles carried bythe lifters are fully introduced to the corresponding gaugers. Aspreviously noted, this primes the knock out element 16 of each gauger.Moreover, if the bottle is defective, the classifier element 14 of thecorresponding gauger is actuated from its normal acceptable productposition to a defect indicating position. As each lifter moves furtherover the cam surface 41, the corresponding gauger passes a defect sensor56 mounted in corresponding fixed position on the superstructure 23. Ifthe classifier element 14 of the gauger is in normal position, thesensor is unactuated. However, if the classifier element is in actuated,defect indicating position, the sensor is triggered to in turn actuate amemory 57 to store the indicated defect information until such time asthe bottle corresponding to the particular gauger is subsequentlycarried adjacent the ejector 53. As the lifters move over cam surface 42to lower the bottles away from the corresponding gaugers, the primedknock out elements 16 thereof encounter knock out actuating means 58carried in corresponding fixed position on the superstructure 23 and arethereby actuated to release the bottles from the gaugers. The lifterscarry the bottles to the take-cit location 38 whereat star wheel 52sequentially delivers them to the takeoif conveyor. The memory 57 issynchronized to the movement of the bottles such that at the instant adefective bottle is adjacent the ejector 53, the previously storeddefect information corresponding to this bottle is read out of thememory to eifect actuation of the ejector. The ram 54, or equivalentmeans, is thus motivated to push the defective bottle off of theconveyor. Thus, only acceptable bottles are delivered to the output endof the take-off conveyor.

Considering now the novel gaugers 12 in detail, reference is made toFIGURES 2-6 which illustrate a gauger adapted for use in the gauging ofa cylindrical bottle having a uniformly tapered upper portionterminating in a neck. The classifier element 14 of the gauger includesan elongated hollow cylinder 59 having a cap or collar 61 with a centralcircular aperture 62 coaxially secured to its lower end, or otherwiseformed thereat to define a comparable aperture. The upper end of thecylinder 59 is closed by a plug 63 or equivalent means having a centralcircular bore 64 therein and formed with an outwardly flared annularflange 66 which extends radially beyond the periphery of the cylinder todefine an outwardly stepped shoulder. Within the bore 64 in coaxialinwardly spaced relation, there is disposed a cylindrical guide member67 rigidly secured to the plug 63 by a diametric key 68, or equivalentmeans. The member 67 is elongated to extend coaxially downward from theplug into the intermediate regions of the cylinder. The lower end of themember 67 is inwardly stepped, as shown at 69, to flushly receive agauge sleeve 71 which extends coaxially downward from the member toinwardly define a cylindrical gauge recess 72. The recess may, ofcourse, 'be defined by alternative means. In addition, a cylindricalgauge finger 73 depends centrally from member 67 through recess 72 ininwardly coaxially spaced relation to the sleeve.

The knock out element 16 of the gauger includes an elongated sleeve 74coaxially slidably disposed upon the guide member 67 and extendingexteriorly upward through the annulus defined between the periphery ofthe guide member and the wall of plug bore 64. In this regard,longitudinally elongated diametrically opposed slots 76, 77 are providedthrough the sleeve to slidably receive the key 68. The exteriorlyextending upper end of the sleeve is provided with a dome shaped cap 78formed with an outwardly flared annular flange 79 at its lower end. Suchflange serves as a stop in engaging the upper end face of plug 63 tothereby support the sleeve 74 in normal position relative to theclassifier element 14. The upper end of the cap 78 is provided with asocket 81 serving to swivelably mount a ball bearing 82 for purposessubsequently described. The knock out element is completed by a bottleengaging head 83 secured to the lower end of the sleeve 74. The head isof hollow cylindrical configuration with the bore 84 thereof receivingthe sleeve in rigid connection. The lower tapered as indicated at 86 toprovide a bottle engaging shoulder. The

outer periphery of the head 83 slidably engages the interior wall ofcylinder 59. When the knock-out element 16 is in its normal positionwith flange 79 engaging plug 63, the head 83 is spaced slightly upwardfrom the cap 61 of the classifier element 14 and spaced downwardly fromthe finger 73 and recess 72.

The assembly of classifier element 14 and knock-out element 16 issupported by means of a collar 87 slidably receiving cylinder 59 andengageable with flange 66. The collar is carried at the end of a supportbracket 88 arranged to be removably secured to the turret plate 18, asby means of bolts 89 (see FIGURE 2). Thus, in the normal condition ofthe gauger, the flange 66 of classifier element 14 rests upon collar 87and the flange 79 of knock-out element rests upon the plug 63 of theclassifier element as shown in FIGURE 3.

It is of importance to note that the wall of aperture 62, walls ofrecess 72, and periphery of finger 73, of the classifier element 14define gauging surfaces for determining whether the dimensions of abottle are within predetermined limits. In this regard, the diameter ofaperture 62 is selected to correspond to a predetermined maximum limitfor the diameter of the body of the bottle. The diameter of theperipheral wall of recess 72 corresponds to a predetermined maximumlimit for the external neck diameter of the bottle, while the diameterof finger 73 corresponds to a predetermined minimum limit for theinternal neck diameter. The coaxial distance between the base wall ofrecess 72 and the exterior end face of cap 61 is selected to correspondto a predetermined maximum limit for the height of a bottle.

With the foregoing in mind, it will be appreciated that an acceptablebottle, i.e., one having dimensions within the predetermined limits, maybe introduced through aperture 62 to a fully inserted position whereinthe neck of the bottle is disposed within recess 72 andfreely receivesfinger 73 without engaging the walls of the recess and periphery of thefinger nor the wall of aperture 62. In other words the bottle may befully inserted into the gauger without contacting surfaces of theclassifier element 14. During the early stages of insertion, however,the bottle engages the shoulder 86 of the knock-out element head 83.Thus, as the bottle is inserted, it moves the knock-out element 16 to anextended position relative to the classifier element 14. This extendedposition is the previously noted primed position of the knock-outelement. FIGURE 4 illustrates the gauger with an acceptable bottle infully inserted position. The knock-out element is in extended primedposition, but the classifier element is in normal position with flange66resting on collar 87.

In the case of a defective bottle, i.e., one having any dimensionoutside of the predetermined limits, the bottle cannot be fully insertedinto the gauger without contacting one of the surfaces of the classifierelement. As a result, raising of the bottle to an elevation commensuratewith full insertion into the gauger elfects upward movement of theclassifier element to a position wherein the flange 66 is displaced fromthe collar 87. For example, if the base diameter of the bottle exceedsthe predetermined limit therefor, the base of the bottle engagesaperture 62 and displaces the classifier element 14 upwardly as shown inFIGURE 5. The knock-out element is still extended to a primed positionas indicated. In the event the base of the bottle was within the maximumlimit but the external neck diameter was excessive, the neck wouldengage the peripheral wall of recess 72 and effect displacement of theclassifier element from its normal position. Similarly, an internal neckdiameter less than the predetermined limit, or an excessive heightresults in displacement of the classifier element from its normalposition. The amount of displacment in any of these latter instanceswould not, however, be as great as that for an excessive body diameter.Thus, any displaced position of the classifier element relative to thecollar 87 represents the previously noted defect indicating position ofthe classifier element. In addition to the dimensional limits of bodydiameter, external and internal neck diameter, and height, gauged by thegauger 12, it will be appreciated that leanage is also gauged thereby.By virtueof the coaxial or aligned relationship between the gaugingsurfaces, a bottle having excessive leanage will contact at least one ofthe surfaces and displace the classifier element 14 to a defeetindicating position.

It will be appreciated that the gauging of bottles of different sizes isreadily facilitated by the interchangeable employment of gaugers 12having different size gauging surfaces in the classifier element 14 anddifferent size knock-out heads 83. Moreover, the gaugers may beappropriately modified to accommodate bottles having configurationsother than cylindrical. For example, as shown in FIGURE 7, the gaugermay be modified to accommodate a rectangular bottle or flask. In thisregard, a rectangular aperture 62' is provided in the cap 61, andtheknock-out head 83 is provided with an elongated rounded rectangularshoulder 86' conformed to the upper end of a rectangular bottle.

Considering now the defect sensor 56 in detail as to a preferred formthereof for use with the specific embodiment of .gaugers 12 justdescribed, reference is made to FIGURE 8. As shown therein, the sensorincludes a vane 91 pivotally secured by hinges 92 to a support bracket93 carried by superstructure 23. The vane is pivotal about a verticalaxis and is disposed in the path of rotation of the gaugers 12 at aposition overlying elevated surface 41 of cam 34. More particularly, thevane projects over the outer portions of the end faces of the classifierelement plugs 63, as the gaugers are rotated past the vane location. Thelower edge of the vane is positioned to closely clear the end faces ofthe plugs when the classifier elements 14 are in normal position withthe flanges 66 resting on the collars 87. The sensor also includes amicroswitch 94 carried in fixed position on superstructure 23 and havinga horizontally projecting actuator arm 96 engaging the trailing face ofthe vane relative to the direction of movement of the gaugers. Theactuator arm is spring loaded in the direction of the vane toresiliently retain same in a normal position wherein the leading face ofthe vane engages a stop 97 that projects outwardly from the bracket 93.The switch 94 is unactuated when the vane is in its normal position.However, if the vane is pivoted to displace the arm 96 in opposition tothe spring loading thereof, the switch is actuated. It will beappreciated that since the classifier elements 14 of the gaugers whichhave received acceptable bottles are in their normal positions, theplugs 63 thereof clear the vane and the switch is not actuated. However,the classifier elements of those gaugers that have received defectivebottles are in displaced defect indicating position. The classifierelement plugs thus engage the vane to pivot same and actuate the switch.Actuation of the switch thus represents a defective bottle.

The knock-out actuating means 58 for use with the preferred embodimentof the gaugers hereinbefore described is advantageously provided as anarcuate cam 98 carried by superstructure 23 at a location overlying thesurface 42 of cam 34. The lower surface 99 of cam 98 is declined in thedirection of gauger rotation in substantial conformity with the camsurface 42. The ball bearings 82 in the caps of the knock-out elements16 in primed position engage cam surface 99 and follow same as thelifters 27 are simultaneously being lowered in passing over cam surface42. Thus, the knock-out elements are gradually urged downward by cam 98as the bottles are being correspondingly lowered on the lifters. Releaseof the bottles from the gauges is thereby assured.

Referring now to FIGURES 9 and 10, a preferred form of the memory 57will be seen to be of a substantially mechanical nature. Moreparticularly, the memory includes a circular turntable 101 having anupstanding annular marginal rim 102. The turntable is journalled upon abase plate 103 and coupled to rotary drive means 104. Also mounted onthe base plate, there is provided an upstanding annular band 106 whichis generally outwardly concentrically spaced from rim 102 and includesan eccentric terminal portion 107 which converges into contact with theperiphery of the rim. A plurality of pegs 108 are slidably disposed in aplurality of circumferentially spaced radial bores 109 through the rim102. As the turntable rotates, any of the pegs that are extendedradially outward from the rim engage the eccentric terminal portion 107of the rim and are thereby urged inward to positions wherein the outerends of the pegs are flush with the outer periphery of the rim. In suchpositions, the pegs project radially inward from the inner periphery ofthe rim. A solenoid actuated ram mechanism 111 is mounted upon a bracket112 supported atop the band in bridging relation to a portion thereof.The mechanism includes a ram 113 that is radially disposed and providedwith a depending tab 114 at its free end. Upon energization of thesolenoid of the mechanism, the ram is extended radially outward suchthat the tab 114 contacts a radially aligned one of the pegs 108 anddrives same outward. Any of the pegs thus driven by the ram, projectradially outward from rim 102. The memory also includes a microswitch116 mounted on bracket 112 at a position having a predetermined angulardisplacement from the radial axis of the ram in the direction ofrotation of turntable 101. Such position of the switch is short of theeccentric terminal portion 107 of band 106. The switch includes adepending actuator arm 117 which is spring loaded to a normal verticalposition. The arm projects into the space between the rim 102 and band106 in the path of any of the pegs 108 that have been driven outward bythe ram. Such outwardly projecting pegs contact the arm in passing sameto momentarily actuate the switch. Thus, after a predetermined timedelay following the driving of a peg outward by the ram, the switch 116is actuated. Such time delay corresponds to the time required for theturntable 101 to rotate through the angle between the radial axis of theram and the position of the swtich arm. Following actuation of theswitch by an outwardly projecting peg, the peg encounters the eccentricportion 107 of the band and is reset to an inwardly projecting position,as previously described, prior to again passing the radial position ofthe ram.

It is of importance to note that each of the pegs 108 corresponds to adifferent one of the gaugers 12. The drive means 104 is synchronizedwith the drive motor 46 such that rotation of the turntable 101 isthereby synchronized with rotation of the gaugers 12 and lifters 27.Moreover, the predetermined time delay determined by the angulardisplacement of switch 116 from the ram radius is selected to correspondto the time required by a bottle in a gauger passing the defect sensor56 to be conveyed to a position adjacent the ejector 53. The solenoid ofthe ram mechanism 111 is electrically connected in series with theswitch 94 of the defect sensor 56 and a power source. The solenoid ofthe ejector 53 is similarly electrically connected in series with theswitch 116 of the memory and a power source. It will be thus appreciatedthat in response to switch 94 being actuated by the classifier elementof a gauger being in defect indicating position, the solenoid of the rammechanism 111 is energized. A radially aligned one of the pegs 108 isdriven outward by the ram to thus read defect indicating informationinto the memory. At the instant the bottle that was in such gauger isadjacent the ejector, the peg engages the arm 117 to actuate switch 116.The ejector is in turn energized to urge the adjacent bottle off of thetake-off conveyor 51.

What is claimed is:

1. An automatic gauger for gauging bottles to classify them as being ofpredetermined dimensional limits, said gauger comprising a framestructure, a classifier element supported by a member of said framestructure for'selective vertical displacement with respect to saidmember, a classifier element having a plurality of gauging surfaces ofpredetermined dimensions permitting free reception of an acceptablebottle introduced into said element and engageable with an unacceptablebottle introduced into said element, said classifier element beingvertically dis placed as a unit with respect to said frame to adefective bottle indicating position by engagement of any one of saidgauging surfaces with a bottle having an unacceptable dimension in thedimension to be checked by said one gauging surface, said classifierelement including a depending elongated finger defining one of saidsurfaces and adapted to be received within the neck of an acceptablebottle introduced into said element and engageable with the neck of anunacceptable bottle introduced into said element to cause verticaldisplacement of said element as a unit relative to said frame andincluding a collar in downwardly spaced fixed relationship to saidfinger having an aperture defining another one of said surfaces throughwhich substantially the full length of a bottle must pass to be fullyreceived within the remainder of said classifier element, said collarfreely receiving a bottle having a body of dimensions within apredetermined limit and engageable with a bottle having an unacceptablebody dimension to cause said displacement of said classifier elementrelative to said frame, the gauging surfaces of said finger and saidcollar aperture being aligned so that at least one of said gaugingsurfaces engages a bottle having unacceptable leanage and causes saidvertical displacement of said classifier element, a knock-out elementengageable with any unacceptable bottle within said classifier elementfor forceably ejecting in a positive manner such an unacceptable bottlefrom said classifier element, defect sensing means for sensing saidvertical displacement of said classifier element relative to said framemember, and an ejector means for separating the unacceptable bottlesfrom the acceptable bottles.

2. An automatic gauge for gauging bottles according to claim 1 whereinsaid classifier element includes means defining a recess in alignmentwith said bottle body receiving aperture in said collar, said elongatedfinger depending coaxially from the base Wall of said recess and theperipheral wall of said recess defining a gauging surface permitingreception within said recess for a bottle having an acceptable exteriorneck dimension and engageable with the neck of a bottle having anunacceptable exterior dimension to cause said vertical displacement as aunit of said classifier element relative to said frame, and the basewall of said recess engageable with a bottle of unacceptable height tocause said vertical displacement of said classifier element.

3. An automatic gauge for gauging bottles according to claim 1 whereinsaid knock-out element includes a head having a base coaxially alignedwith said finger and formed with a shoulder engageable with a bottleintroduced through said aperture, and means for forcing said headdownward to said classifier element in a positive manner to assurerelease of a bottle from said classifier.

4. A bottle gauger comprising a classifier element having a plurality ofgauging surfaces of predetermined dimensions, said surfaces engageablewith a defective bottle introduced thereto while freely receiving anacceptable bottle introduced thereto,- and means slidably supportingsaid classifier element in a normal acceptable bottle indicatingposition whereby said classifier element is immovable by an acceptablebottle freely received by said surfaces but is displaced from saidnormal position to a defective bottle indicating position by a defectivebottle engaging any of said surfaces during introduction thereto; saidclassifier element comprising a vertical hollow cylinder having anaperture in its lower end, the walls of said aperture defining one ofsaid gauging surfaces, means rigidly supported in said cylinder defininga recess in alignment with said aperture, the peripheral and base wallsof said recess respectively defining a second and third of said gaugingsurfaces, a finger depending coaxially from the base wall of saidrecess, the periphery of said finger defining a fourth of said gaugingsurfaces, means defining a stop shoulder extending beyond the peripheryof said cylinder, and a collar slidably receiving said cylinder andnormally engaging said shoulder to define the slidable support means; aknock-out element slidably mounted in said cylinder and extendingexteriorly through the upper end thereof, said knock-out element havinga normal position of engagement with a bottle introduced through saidaperture and being movable by said bottle to an eleated position, saidknock-out element including a head at its lower end having a borecoaxially aligned with said recess and formed with a shoulder of aconfiguration substantially conformed to that of the upper body portionof bottles to be gauged.

5. A bottle gauger comprising a classifier element having a plurality ofgauging surfaces of predetermined dimensions, said surfaces engageablewith a defective bottle introduced thereto while freely receiving anacceptable bottle introduced thereto, and means slidably supporting saidclassifier element in a normal acceptable bottle indicating positionwhereby said classifier element is immovable by an acceptable bottlefreely received by said surfaces but is displaced from said normalposition to a defective bottle indicating position by a defective bottleengaging any of said surfaces during introduction thereto; saidclassifier element comprising a vertical hollow cylinder having anaperture in its lower end, the walls of said aperture defining one ofsaid gauging surfaces, means rigidly supported in said cylinder defininga recess in alignment with said aperture, the peripheral and base Wallsof said recess respectively defining a second and third of said gaugingsurfaces, a finger depending coaxially from the base wall of saidrecess, the periphery of said finger defining a fourth of said gaugingsurfaces, means defining a stop shoulder extending beyond the peripheryof said cylinder, and a collar slidably receiving said cylinder andnormally engaging said shoulder to define the slidable support means,said recess being formed coaxially in the lower end of a cylindricalguide mem- 'ber disposed coaxially within said hollow cylinder, aclosure member rigidly secured to the upper end of said hollow cylinderhaving a coaxial bore therethrough, said guide member extendingcoaxially into said bore in inwardly spaced relation thereto, adiametric key rigidly securing said guide member to said closure member,a sleeve slidably disposed on said guide member and extending exteriorlyof said closure member, said sleeve having diametrically opposedlongitudinal slots traversed by said key, a cap secured to the upper endof said sleeve, said cap engageable with the exterior end face of saidclosure member, said cap having a socket in the upper end thereof, aball bearing swivelably disposed in said socket, and a cylindricalknock-out head carried at the lower end of said sleeve, said head havinga coaxial bore terminating downwardly in a shoulder having aconfiguration conformed to that of the upper body portion of bottles tobe gauged.

6. A bottle classifying and sorting system comprising a turret mountedfor rotation about a vertical axis, a plurality of gauges carried atcircumferentially spaced positions of said turret, eachof said gaugersincluding a vertically disposed classifier element having a plurality ofgauging surfaces of predetermined dimensions engageable with a defectivebottle translated vertically upward toward said element while freelyreceiving an acceptable bottle translated vertically upward toward saidelement, each of said gaugers further including means slidablysupporting the corresponding classifier element on said turret fortranslation vertically upward from a normal position to a defectindicating position responsive to a bottle engaging said gaugingsurfaces, a plurality of lifters adapted to support bottles subjacentsaid gaugers in corresponding vertical alignment with the classifierthereof, said lifters rotatable with said turret, means forprogressively raising said lifters during rotation thereof from alowermost elevation at a first location of the path of rotationalmovement of the lifters to an uppermost elevation at a second locationof said path and lowering said lifters to said lowermost elevation at athird location of said path, means for rotating said turret and saidlifters, input means for sequentially introducing bottles to saidlifters at said first location, take-01f means for sequentially removingbottles from said lifters at said third location, ejector means adjacentsaid take-off means for displacing bottles therefrom upon actuation,defect sensing means mounted in fixed position in overlying relation tosaid second location adjacent the path of rotational movement of saidgaugers, said defect sensing means being actuatable in response to saidclassifier elements of said gaugers being in said defect indicatingposition when said gaugers pass said sensing means, and memory meanscoupled to said defect sensing means and said memory means to storedefect indicating information in response to actuation of the sensingmeans for a time corresponding to that required for a bottle supportedby a lifter at said second location to be moved adjacent said ejectormeans and to correspondingly actuate same in response to the storeddefect indicating information, comprising a turntable having anupstanding annular marginal rim, means rotating said turntable insynchronism with said gaugers and lifters, a plurality of pegs slidablydisposed in a plurality of circumferentially spaced radial bores throughsaid rim, each of said pegs corresponding to a different one of saidgaugers, ram means mounted in fixed position radially of said turntableand actuatable to drive radially opposite ones of said pegs outward topositions projecting outwardly from said rim, said ram means coupled tosaid defect sensing means for actuation in response to actuationthereof, an upstanding annular band generally outwardly concentricallyspaced from said rim and including an eccentric therminal portionconverging into contact with the outer periphery of said rim, and aswitch mounted in a fixed position at a predetermined angulardisplacement from the radial position of said ram means, said switchhaving an actuator arm extending vertically into the space between saidrim and band, said switch coupled in actutaing relation to said ejectormeans.

7. A bottle classifying and sorting system comprising a turret mountedfor rotation about a vertical axis, a plurality of gauges carried atcircumferentially spaced positions of said turret, each of said gaugersincluding a vertically disposed classifier element having a plurality ofgauging surfaces of predetermined dimensions engageable with a defectivebottle translated vertically upward toward said element While freelyreceiving an acceptable bottle translated vertically upward toward saidelement, each of said gaugers further including means slidablysupporting the corresponding classifier element on said turret fortranslation vertically upward from a normal position to a defectindicating position responsive to a bottle engaging said gaugingsurfaces, a plurality of lifters adapted to support bottles subjacentsaid gaugers in corresponding vertical alignment with the classifierelements thereof, said lifters rotatable with said turret, means forprogressively raising said lifters during rotation thereof from alowermost elevation at a first location of the path of rotationalmovement of the lifters to an uppermost elevation at a second locationof said path and lowering said lifters to said lowermost elevation at athird location of said path, means for rotating said turret and saidlifters, input means for sequentially introducing bottles to saidlifters at said first location, take-off means for sequentially removingbottles from said lifters at said third location, ejector means adjacentsaid take-01f means for displacing bottles therefrom upon actuation,defect sensing means mounted in fixed position in overlying relation tosaid second location adjacent the path of rotational movement of saidgaugers, said defect sensing means being actuatable in response to saidclassifier elements of said gaugers being in said defect indicatingposition when said gaugers pass said sensing means, and memory meanscoupled to said defect sensing means and said memory means to storedefect indicating information in response to actuation of the sensingmeans for a time corresponding to that required for a bottle supportedby a lifter at said second location to be moved adjacent said ejectormeans and to correspondingly actuate same in response to the storeddefect indicating information, each of said gaugers including a knockoutelement slidably mounted relative to said classifier element andengageable with a bottle translated vertically upward toward saidclassifier element, said knock-out element being movable by a bottleengaging same to an upwardly extended primed position during movement ofsaid lifters to said uppermost elevation at said second location, andcam means for engaging the upper ends of said knock-out elements duringmovement of said gaugers between positions overlying said second andthird locations, said defect sensing means comprising a vane mounted forpivotal movement about a vertical axis, said vane extending over thepath of rotational movement of said gaugers in closely spaced relationto said classifier elements thereof in normal position, said vane beingengaged by said classifier elements in said defect indicating position,a switch mounted in fixed position having a horizontally projectingactuator arm engaging the trailing face of said vane relative to thedirection of rotation of said gaugers, and a stop engageable with theleading face of said vane, said arm being spring loaded to normallyretain said vane in a normal position of engagement with said stop, saidswitch being actuated in response to said vane being pivoted from itsnormal position, and said memory means comprising a turntable having anupstanding annular marginal rim, means rotating said turntable insynchronism with said gaugers and lifters, a plurality of pegs slidablydisposed in a plurality of circumferentially spaced radial bores throughsaid rim, each of said pegs corresponding to a difierent one of saidguagers, ram means mounted in fixed position radially of said turntableand actuatable to drive radially opposite ones of said pegs outward topositions projecting outwardly from said rim, said ram means coupled tosaid switch for actuation in response to actuation thereof, anupstanding annular band generally outwardly concentrtically spaced fromsaid rim and including an eccentric terminal portion converging intocontact with the outer periphery of said rim, and a second switchmounted in fixed position at a predetermined angular displacement fromthe radial position of said ram means, said second switch having anactuator arm extending vertically into the space between said rim andband, said second switch coupled in actuating relation to said ejectormeans.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,012,665 12/1961 Hanot 209- M.HENSON WOOD, JR., Primary Examiner.

R. A. SCHACHER, Assistant Examiner.

